The Life of Lewis Downing

Principal Chief John Ross was responsible for leading Cherokee Nation through the Trail of Tears, Civil War and the Cherokee Golden Age. A year after his death in 1866, his former deputy chief, Lewis Downing, was elected as principal chief. Though the Civil War had ended, Cherokee Nation continued to fight for rights and jurisdiction. Leading this fight was Downing, who served Cherokee Nation for 15 years after his famous predecessor.
Visit the John Ross Museum beginning July 14 to learn more about Downing’s impact on rebuilding Cherokee Nation during the post-Civil War years and how he worked for reunification of the different factions of Cherokee citizens.